30 Best Christmas Punch Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests This Holiday
Everything from nonalcoholic options to bubbly champagne drinks!
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We love a Christmas cocktail as much as the next person, and mixing up a homemade drink for your guests is a great way to put a signature spin on your Christmas dinner. But on top of cooking all of that food, you’re probably not looking to add even more time and labor to your holiday planning — particularly if you’re hosting a larger gathering. For groups of around eight or more, it may be easier to make a batch of Christmas punch for guests to serve themselves from. After all, the holidays are all about sharing joy — and what’s more joyful than a giant bowl of boozy, festive punch?
While the word may conjure images of sugary bowls filled with floating orange slices, there’s actually a ton of different recipes and flavor combinations under the heading of ‘punch.’ Whether you prefer a creamy eggnog-based drink, a wintry sangria, or a delicious booze-free option, we’ve got your bases covered with these jolly recipes.
Since most of these are made with easy-to-find ingredients like fruit juice, sparkling water and red or white wine, you won’t have to do much more than measuring and stirring. Plus, punch is a perfect make-ahead recipe, meaning you can get it done a day or two ahead of time (holding off on adding fizzy ingredients until right before serving). So whether you serve your punch alongside some tempting Christmas appetizers, or during the main course, your night is guaranteed to be more laid back than ever before.
Cranberry 75 Punch
A fruity, big batch Christmas twist on the iconic French 75 is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Get the Cranberry 75 Punch recipe.
Fall Punch
Because those sweet, spiced fall flavors can keep us warm all through the holiday season.
Get the Fall Punch recipe.
RELATED: The 45 Best Fall Cocktails to Sip by a Bonfire This Autumn
Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch
A splash of sparkling wine adds a fun and surprising bubbly twist to your holiday mojito.
Get the Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch recipe.
Citrus Whiskey Punch
We gave some new life to this punch from our 1885 issue — and by new life, we mean bourbon.
Get the Citrus Whiskey Punch recipe.
Black Magic Punch
Plum, berries, red wine and brandy make this magical, sangria-like punch a holiday favorite.
Get the Black Magic Punch recipe.
Christmas Morning Punch
Step up your a.m. OJ with this fruity beverage topped with sparkling apple cider. Looking for more of a kick? Swap in prosecco for the sparkling cider.
Get the Christmas Morning Punch recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Boozy Butterbeer Punch
If you’ve read Harry Potter, this punch needs no introduction. If you haven’t, get ready for a mug of buttery, candy-sweet sunshine.
Get the Boozy Butterbeer Punch recipe from Delish.
Hot Toddy with Charred Oranges
Charred oranges add a complex caramel sweetness to your classic hot toddy.
Get the Hot Toddy with Charred Oranges recipe from Country Living.
Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate
This boozy, chocolatey drink will keep you toasty on a cold winter night.
Get the Spiced Mexican Hot Chocolate recipe from Country Living.
RELATED: 8 Best Hot Chocolate Mixes for the Perfect Cozy Cup
Hot Buttered Rum
Exactly what it sounds like, this cozy drink stars homemade spiced butter stirred into a mug of hot water (with a glug of rum, of course).
Get the Hot Buttered Rum recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Sparkling Pear & Orange Champagne Punch
The citrus-and-cranberry ice ring may look fancy, but all you need is a bundt pan to make a splash in your punch.
Get the Sparkling Pear & Orange Champagne Punch recipe from Country Living.
Cranberry Sangria
Adding cranberries to this classic Spanish drink gives a wintertime spin to a summer favorite.
Get the Cranberry Sangria recipe from Delish.
RELATED: 25 Sweet and Savory Cranberry Recipes That Go Beyond the Sauce
Ponche Navideño Mexicano
This traditional Mexican Christmas punch will keep both you and your house warm all night long. If you don’t have access to piloncillo, a kind of unrefined cane sugar, or tamarind pods, brown sugar and hibiscus flowers make for excellent swaps.
Get the Ponche Navideño Mexicano recipe from Mexico in My Kitchen.
Cranberry Mimosa
You'll certainly feel holly and jolly after these mimosas.
Get the Cranberry Mimosa recipe from Delish.
Pineapple Citrus Punch
This sweet, fizzy punch will brighten up any winter’s day — particularly with the addition of edible flowers and sliced fresh fruit.
Get the Pineapple Citrus Punch recipe from A Beautiful Mess.
White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice
Pro tip: Fill a few ice trays with fresh cranberries and mint, then top with water, for festive cubes all season.
Get the White Grape Punch with Cranberry Ice recipe from The Pioneer Woman.
Kranky Punch
This grinch-themed punch gets its kitschy green hue from lemon-lime-flavored Kool Aid, and a dose of merry cheer from a red sanding sugar garnish. Make like the Christmas villain himself and snag a cup before it’s gone.
Get the Kranky Punch recipe from Delish.
Sparkling Pear Prosecco Punch
Put on your fancy pants (with an elastic waistband) and pour yourself a glass of this pretty pink cocktail.
Get the Sparkling Pear Prosecco Punch recipe from Delish.
Apple Cider Sangria
The best way to unwind after a day of cooking, cleaning and wrapping presents is with one of these spicy and sweet beauties.
Get the Apple Cider Sangria recipe from Delish.
Moscow Mule Punch
Because if you make a big bowl of this classic mint and lime spritzer, you won't have to play bartender all night long.
Get the Moscow Mule Punch recipe from Delish.
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
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